Dynamo Exercise Option to Acquire Luiz Camargo

Sergio Koke and Carlo Costly (to a much lesser extent) may have ultimately been disappointing signings, but there's no question Brazilian midfielder Luiz Camargo was a fantastic late season pick-up for the Dynamo. Camargo fit right in to the central midfield role, allowing Geoff Cameron to return to the defense. His play down the stretch was a big part of the Dynamo's improved form and run to the MLS Cup Final.

Going in to the offseason, there was no doubt in my mind that Camargo was an essential signing for the Dynamo and today they got the deal done.

Here's the press release just released by the Dynamo:

HOUSTON, TX (Tuesday, December 06, 2011) -- The Houston Dynamo have exercised an option to acquire Brazilian midfielder Luiz Camargo, it was announced today. Per team and league policy, terms of the transaction and of Camargo's contract were not disclosed.

Camargo, 24, joined the Dynamo in August 2011 on a loan agreement from Brazilian club Paraná Clube. He made his MLS debut as a substitute on September 10 against Sporting Kansas City. Camargo started the final six games of the regular season for Houston and all four playoff games, and played an important role in Houston's Eastern Conference championship run.

"Luiz played very well for us last year," head coach Dominic Kinnear said. "He was very reliable, which made it easier for us to become a more balanced team. He will only get better with a full preseason behind him and we expect some great performances from him next year."